Rigby and Peller's Knightsbridge make over (and the best bras I've ever owned)
76 years ago, Gita Peller, a Hungarian immigrant, and Bertha Rigby, an English corsetière, set up shop on South Molton Street (bet the rent was a bit cheaper then) and immediately had a storming success on their hands.
Women in the 1930’s were inspired by new role models such as Vivien Leigh (Gone With The Wind) and Greta Garbo (Anna Christie) who all had teeny tiny waists and hourglass figures… and to achieve that extraordinary look, one needed a blimmin good corset.
Rigby and Peller went from strength to strength creating corsets and underwear for women all over the land…even the Queen couldn’t resist the expertly made undergarments, so in 1960, a royal warrant was granted and Rigby and Peller have been keeping the royal family in knickers, literally, ever since.
Everyone has heard of Rigby and Peller, but I do believe that a large number of folk may have got the wrong end of the stick and think that the brand caters only for sturdy school matrons with enormous frontages and women over 60. If that’s you, guess again. Rigby and Peller are at the forefront of British lingerie, selling stunning, fashion forward underwear… and they also have an exceptional Made to Measure service, that is the secret weapon for any woman who has ever worn a bra. Ever.
Once you have found a style that you like, literally anything is possible. You can change fabrics, add trims, change colours, measurements etc… the final piece is designed to fit you like a second skin and will most likely be the most comfortable item you own in your entire wardrobe.
I recently visited the newly refurbished store on Hans Road, which is just opposite Harrods. The luxurious, bright and glamorous shopping space is dedicated to styling, couture, made-to-measure and includes curated collections of lingerie, sleepwear and swimwear lines from the likes of Andres Sarda, Maison Lejaby and Aubade – all who are known for the quality of their fabrics and beautiful design.
I experienced the amazing Rigby and Peller service for myself… complete with their new 3D mirror…
I stood in front of the mirror and turned around in a circle, slowly. The mirror did it’s amazing magical thing and calculated my bra size… which, incidentally is not what I thought it was!
The sales assistant did some double checking, agreed with the mirror and then brought me various styles from around the store to try on…
And I loved them all. Which never happens. But I did. And because I needed some new bras (and also because my wonderful mum had given me a Rigby and Peller gift card for my birthday back in June – it took me a while to spend it!) I bought myself some wonderful treats.
I urge you to go and experience the service and store for yourself – there are several stores around the UK (and the world!) so you will hopefully find one near you.
And if you do go, and you do fall in love, don’t say I didn’t warn you… you’ll never want to take your bra off ever again.
Rigby and Peller
2 Hans Road
London, SW3 1RX
Tel: 0207 225 4760
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